The "horse girl" archetype has its roots in literature, particularly in young adult fiction. Classic novels like National Velvet (1935) by Enid Bagnold and The Black Stallion (1941) by Walter Farley introduced readers to strong-willed, horse-loving protagonists who embodied the spirit of adventure and perseverance. These early portrayals laid the groundwork for the horse girl trope, often depicting these characters as outsiders, struggling to find their place in the world.